"I have spent the summer not painting nearly enough. I only did eleven paintings, nine from live models in a class with my first teacher. Our summer rental wasn't conducive to the work lacking both space and good light. Certainly I should have known how much this would matter but time slipped by until now when I look back and realize the amount of work I would normally have done in the span of four months. At my studio at home in Florida I would have been painting every single day and taken at least three times the number of classes. We are heading back this week and my work will be underway again.
It's also been several months of looking at options for finding a residence here in the North to be close to our kids and grand kids...we now have two! Our newest is Rosina Dolores Saravia, born July 10. Her brother, Wolf, is nearly three. They are changing before our eyes. I long for the chance to be here more."
The above was written about three weeks ago and I had to save it as a draft at the time. As it happens
we have now signed an agreement to buy a wonderful old flat in Evanston in an historic building where it is possible to walk to everything and it's only about a mile and a half to Jess' house. Plus, Chuck is moving to Milwaukee so will be only an hour away as well! Wonderful!
We spent a few weeks since autumn started going back and forth between our B&B in Michigan with CK
playing golf with old friends, and a hotel in Evanston on weekends to see the kids. On our last night in
the hotel, and with the car loaded to leave for Florida in the morning, we saw a new listing online and
called our realtor to set up a morning showing the next day. When we saw it we both knew immediately,
after looking at things all summer long, that this was a great deal. We made an offer and it was accepted
a day later. This was reason for us to delay our departure for a week
and all we are waiting for now is the closing to happen in a couple of weeks. It is really exciting to be
adjusting our lives to be near the family for more of the year. The longing for that has been strong and it
has gotten even more so with the arrival of Rosie and with Chuck moving closer.
It's all so good! The gratitude list is long.
